Internacional never get tired of revealing great talents for Brazilian football. The problem is that there is not room for all players in the professional team, so the objective of defending the club in major competitions is not everyone’s privilege.
In this sense, the gaucho club decided to release some promises from their youth categories for European football. With great opportunities, they can gain more time on the field and, who knows, earn a few million reais in the future.
Lucas Flores and Tiago Barbosa leaving Internacional
Goalkeeper Lucas Flores and defender Tiago Barbosa were traded by Internacional to the Old Continent. They will defend Rio Ave (Portugal) and CSKA 1948 Sofia (Bulgaria), respectively. Both were revealed by the Gaucho club.
Despite this, they didn’t have many opportunities in professional football. Coach Mano Menezes intends to wipe out the Colorado squad, which has a number of players who came from the base and were waiting for opportunities.
In this sense, the two promises of the base were not able to conquer their space among professionals and, despite having participated in great recent campaigns, they will seek new air on the other side of the Atlantic.
Tiago Barbosa was champion of Copinha in 2020
Defender Tiago Barbosa participated in Internacional’s winning campaign at Copinha 2020, which ended with a title win over Grêmio. He even converted one of the penalties in the tournament decision.
Despite this, Tiago did not have many opportunities in the professional team. He played two games for the 2021 Campeonato Gaúcho, when the professional team was still in the pre-season and the under-20 was activated, under the command of Fábio Matias.
In the match against São Luiz, in Beira-Rio, the defender scored against and Inter lost 2-1. He continued in the professional group and, this year, suffered a muscle injury, which left him out for two months. Even ready to play, competition in the industry is high.
Now, Tiago Barbosa has been released to sign with CSKA 1948 Sofia, from Bulgaria. It is a new chance in his career, because despite playing in a weaker league, he is closer to the eyes of European football.
Lucas Flores was the Triple Crown goalkeeper at base
On the other hand, Lucas Flores was not champion of Copinha, but he stood out in the tournament in 2022. During Internacional’s campaign, he made a series of penalty saves. In all, there were three bids in their participation in the tournament.
Before, in the 2021 season, he was the archer of the Triple Crown of Internacional, which won the Brasileirão, Supercopa and Gaucho in the under-20. At 1.95m tall, he was considered one of the pillars of the winning team.
Recently, Lucas Flores even renewed his contract with Internacional until February 2023. Even with the short contract, his goal was to establish himself among the professionals. Participated in training periods, but had no space.
Currently, Daniel owns the position. Coach Mano Menezes has three other goalkeepers at his disposal: Keiller, Emerson Jr and Anthoni, who defends Inter in the U-20 Brasileirão. Thus, going to Portugal could bring more chances for the 19-year-old goalkeeper.
Club must retain a portion of athletes’ rights
During the negotiations, the tendency is for Internacional to retain part of the athletes’ rights. The percentage or values were not revealed, but this is a strategy to receive money with the possible appreciation on European soil.
At the club, they would not have many opportunities and would probably find it difficult to renew their contract. Therefore, the release can serve as a showcase to attract other interested parties and gain from a future sale.
Other players are leaving Inter
In this process to reduce the squad, Internacional has already announced the departure of other players. The main one was Rodrigo Dourado, who played for Internacional since 2012, when he moved up to the professional ranks. The Olympic champion agreed with Atlético San Luis, from Mexico.
In addition to him, Thiago Galhardo returns from loan on July 1, but has already stated that he does not want to play for Inter. The striker was at Celta de Vigo, in Spain, and is aiming to try a career abroad.
Finally, Marcos Guilherme had his contract terminated and settled with São Paulo, while Wesley Moraes did not like it during the loan period and will be returned to Aston Villa, from England.
